Ranking the Most Engaged MLB Fan Bases

We’re excited to share our first annual ranking of the most engaged fan bases in the MLB. The ranking is based on an algorithm that evaluates fan activity in terms of:

Home game attendance (% of total capacity)

Median ticket price

Ticket demand

Team social media following

The San Francisco Giants hold the #1 spot on the list with an especially active fan base. Boasting two World Series championships in the last three years, Giants fans have been filling their stadium to 100% capacity at the beginning of the 2013 season. In addition to driving one of the most in-demand tickets in the MLB, Giants fans are engaged online as well. The Giants have more than two million followers on Facebook and Twitter combined, trailing only the Yankees and Red Sox.

Other franchises represented on this list reveal the importance of marquee players and post-season success in driving fan engagement. Six of the teams included in the top 10 have made World Series appearances since 2007, many of which set home attendance records the following season.

The attractiveness of home stadiums may also benefit top 10 teams in engaging fans. Post-McCourt, the Dodgers have returned to the top of the attendance rankings in 2013, and there’s no arguing that Dodgers Stadium is an absolute gem. Other franchises like the Cubs, who haven’t been to a World Series since 1908, have built a fan culture around Wrigley Field.

With the 2013 MLB season underway, there will be plenty of opportunities for fans to show their support at the games. It’s going to be a dog fight in the West between the Dodgers and defending champion Giants, who will meet in early May. The New York Yankees, who will be looking to re-stake their claim as AL champions this year, will meet the promising Red Sox in early June. There’s lots of time for any team to make a run in 2013, but there’s no doubt that fan support will play a role in who goes to the playoffs in September.

So what do you think? Did your team make the list? Click on the infographic below to enlarge & zoom.